U.S. Navy military leaders and the family of fallen hero, Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott C. Dayton, paid their respects Nov. 27, at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the dignified transfer of his remains.

Dayton, who was serving with Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, died Nov. 24 after wounds sustained in an improvised explosive device blast in northern Syria.

"Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott Dayton was a true patriot and highly regarded member of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community," said Capt. John Moulton, commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2. "His legacy will continue in the lives of those who knew him, especially those he trained, led and mentored throughout a distinguished 23-year career of naval service."

Dayton's family is currently making arrangements for a private memorial and funeral service. The family requests continued privacy as they mourn his loss. In a statement for release, the Dayton family said, "Scott was so dedicated to the Navy and truly loved what he did for his country and at this time, we request that you respect our wishes for privacy during this time of grieving."

Dayton entered the U.S. Navy Feb. 17, 1993 and obtained the following qualifications during his military career: master EOD technician, naval parachutist, military freefall parachutist and enlisted surface warfare specialist.

During his naval career he received 19 awards, which include the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, seven Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy "E" Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, two Iraq Campaign Medals and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

EODGRU-2 mans, trains, equips and sustains seven subordinate commands comprising 39 EOD platoons, five Mobile Diving and Salvage Companies and three Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures Companies that support Naval and Special Operations Force commanders worldwide.

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For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visit www.navy.mil/.